Known for its world class attractions and vibrant lifestyle, Sydney is a highly sought after travel destination not only for international backpackers on working holidays in Australia but also people from around Australia. Unfortunately, the popularity of the harbour city brings with it a downside – cost.

Sydney is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world and each year Sydney’s position on the list of “Most expensive cities” keeps rising. While backpackers on working holidays in Australia enjoy what Sydney has to offer, they often fail to explore all they can because they are worried about the costs involved.

However, there is good news for backpackers on working holidays in Sydney as they can still experience many of Sydney’s iconic tourist attractions and beaches at no cost. For backpackers on working holidays in Sydney the key is finding the attractions without following the usual tourist hype which brings unnecessary costs.

Backpackers on working holidays in Sydney would be amazed at what they can experience for free when they visit Sydney. Here is a list of just ten of the free experiences that Sydney has on offer for backpackers on working holidays:

MANLY BEACH

While Manly is considered to be one of Sydney’s most famous and expensive beachside suburbs, it still offers backpackers a vast array of free activities so that they can experience all that Manly has to offer.
Travelling to Manly in itself is an eye opening journey. Travelling from Sydney’s Circular Quay to Manly Harbour is undertaken on Sydney’s public ferry system. While the journey itself is not free, the cost is no more than a local bus trip. The ferry journey takes tourists across Sydney Harbour allowing them a waterside view of world famous attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For backpackers this ferry ride provides them with lots of photo opportunities that they are unlikely to ever experience again.

MANLY BEACH

While Manly is considered to be one of Sydney’s most famous and expensive beachside suburbs, it still offers backpackers a vast array of free activities so that they can experience all that Manly has to offer.
Travelling to Manly in itself is an eye opening journey. Travelling from Sydney’s Circular Quay to Manly Harbour is undertaken on Sydney’s public ferry system. While the journey itself is not free, the cost is no more than a local bus trip. The ferry journey takes tourists across Sydney Harbour allowing them a waterside view of world famous attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For backpackers this ferry ride provides them with lots of photo opportunities that they are unlikely to ever experience again.

LUNA PARK

Located at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is Sydney’s iconic Luna Park which has been a tourist hot spot since it first opened its doors to the public in 1935. Being at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park also offers backers some of the best views of Sydney Harbour.
While inside Luna Park, there is an expectation that backpackers will pay for the rides that form part of the fun. However, the entry into Luna Park is completely free and the experience of walking through the laughing clown mouth forms much of the excitement that Luna Park has to offer. Luna Park is one of the most common experiences that backpackers on working holidays in Sydney encounter.

THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

Undoubtedly, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks. Known immediately by people around the world, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a drawcard for tourists coming to Sydney. Spanning from the Sydney CBD across the North Sydney foreshore offers backpackers and locals with a view of Sydney that is unparalleled.

Due to its popularity, tourist operators have taken advantage of the Sydney Harbour Bridge by offering tourists the opportunity to climb to the top of Sydney Harbour. The fee for climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge to experience the views is quite expensive. What many backpackers do not realise is that the can walk across the footpath on Sydney Harbour Bridge and experience the exact same views, all free of charge.
The walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge will take tourists about 20 minutes and offers an exhilarating view of the Sydney skyline. No working holiday for any backpacker is complete until they have experienced the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

THE ART GALLERY OF NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW is located in the Sydney Domain. As one of the Australia’s last remaining free museums there is much to do and see for backpackers all free of charge. The Art Gallery of NSW is host to Australia’s largest collection of fine art and is considered to be Sydney’s number one cultural institution.

BEACH ROAD HOTEL BONDI

Bondi Beach is one of the most favoured beaches for all backpackers on working holidays in Sydney. With thousands of backpackers visiting Bondi Beach daily, the attractions and venues nearby, charge higher than normal fees for entertainment.
The Beach House Hotel however, provides free live entertainment for backpacker’s everyday and evening. The Beach House Hotel allows backpackers on working holidays in Sydney to sit down and relax at the hotel while listening to live entertainment and overlook the world famous Bondi Beach.
The Beach Road Hotel is one of Australia’s most famous hotels for backpackers looking to let their hair down after a long day sunning themselves on Bondi Beach.

DARLING HARBOUR

The greatest free attraction at Darling Harbour however, would undoubtedly be, the Darling Harbour Playground. With jumbo swings, flying foxes, balancing ropes and even free mini train tours, the Darling Harbour Playground will entertain backpackers old and young alike.

HYDE PARK

Every backpacker on a working holiday in Sydney will be hard pressed to miss Hyde Park. Located in the centre of Sydney city, Hyde Park is one of Australia’s most historic parks with ANZAC memorials, original statues of Captain James Cook and other historical figures to Sydney. Whether backpackers are looking to stroll around the park in the sun or to stop and look at the historical monuments, there is something free to cater to the needs of any backpacker on a working holiday in Sydney.

THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Sydney’s Royal Botanical Gardens are known as the best picnic spots for backpackers on working holidays in Sydney. Hosting thousands of native plant varieties, backpackers have the opportunity to explore Australia’s native plants with the free guided tours which take place around the gardens each day.
The Royal Botanical Gardens also offer some of the best views of the Sydney Opera House on offer in Australia. Many backpackers take advantage of the vantage point that the Royal Botanical Gardens offer to view the fireworks that Sydney Harbour hosts each New Years Eve. Backpackers enjoying New Years Eve from the Royal Botanical Gardens should be aware of alcohol bans in the Gardens on New Years Eve, or they risk significant fines from local police.

SYDNEY’S HARBOUR LOOKOUT’S

Sydney is well known internationally as one of the most famous harbour cities, and is known in Australia as Harbour City. Sydney Harbour itself offers so much for backpackers on working holidays in Sydney including breathtaking views and the opportunity to witness some of Australia’s most historical landmarks.
There are many harbour lookouts scattered throughout Sydney Harbour, including the Rocks, North Head and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. All of these locations provide backpackers with an opportunity to witness the beauty of Sydney Harbour all free of charge.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Situated on Sydney’s harbour side is the Sydney Opera House. The Sydney Opera House is known internationally for its captivating architecture similar to yachting sails and as one of the busiest venues for live performing arts anywhere in the world. While most performances held at the Sydney Opera House are fee paying, backpackers are able to still experience the architecture and beauty of the Sydney Opera House through self guided tours which are completely free of charge. No backpacker should leave Sydney without experiencing Sydney Opera House.
Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most expensive cities that backpackers on working holidays in Australia will experience. However, by taking the time to explore Sydney backpackers on working holidays in Australia will be able to many sites and attractions to experience all free of charge. Sydney also boasts lots of employment opportunities for backpackers on working holidays in Australia which makes it an ideal destination for backpackers to stay and enjoy the sites while still earning a regular income.
For backpackers on working holidays in Australia, Sydney is also a gateway to some other spectacular locations with loads of free attractions and activities that they can experience. From the world famous Blue Mountains, the south coast beaches of New South Wales and the world renowned Snowy Mountains everything is in close travelling distance. This makes Sydney an ideal place for backpackers on working holidays in Australia to base themselves from to experience all that is in and around Sydney.

For young people looking at travelling and having a working holiday in Australia, Sydney provides an experience like no other. It is little wonder that Sydney has become a hot spot for backpackers on working holidays in Australia because not only do they get some excellent employment opportunities, they also get to experience all the sites and attractions within and around Sydney itself. Whether backpackers on working holidays in Australia visit Sydney as soon as they arrive or they make it their last destination before they return to their home country they are sure to have a truly remarkable experience.

As one of the main entry and exit points in Australia, Sydney also provides a convenient location for backpackers coming to Australia on a working holiday as they are able to plan the rest of their working holiday with Sydney being a base. So while Sydney may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, it provides backpackers on a working holiday in Australia with a convenient location and still having access to free activities and attractions. Most backpackers on a working holiday in Australia find the cost of accommodation to be one of the major downsides; however, there is an abundance of backpacker accommodation on offer. This allows backpackers on working holidays in Sydney to experience all there is on offer while still living on a backpackers budget.